Land Navigation: Suunto MC-2G Global Compass

The Suunto MC-2G Global Compass is my compass of choice when I am in a remote and rugged Wilderness Area. What makes the Suunto MC-2G Compass unique is its global needle. On most compasses the entire needle is magnetized. On the Suunto MC-2G the center disk, that the needle sits on, is magnetized and not the needle.

The earth has different horizontal and vertical magnetic pulls around globe. There are 5 regions around the world. If you are a traveler this means that certain regions require that the compass needle be balanced due to these magnetic pulls. Having a global needle means that you can use it practically anywhere in the world. The exception for any compass is when it is used very close to either the Magnetic North or Magnetic South Poles. At these locations navigation with any compass is very difficult due to the extreme magnetic pulls.

So what is the main benefit of having a global needle? The benefit is that the needle can handle up to a 20 degree tilt. This means that the needle will not hit the top or bottom of the compass causing it to lock up. This also means that you are able to stay on point easier and navigate rougher terrain without constantly stopping to re-shoot your bearing.

The Suunto MC-2G also has many other built-in features that I use which makes it a very practical compass:

The Baseplate has a magnifying lens.

There is a mirror that can be used for various purposes such as signaling in an emergency.

There is a straight edge with a scale for determining distance and drawing lines.

There is a Magnetic Declination scale on the back of the compass that allows you to set the Magnetic Declination. Just set it and go.

There is luminous outer ring for low-light reading.

It comes with a quick detachable lanyard.

The Suunto MC-2G compass is a very versatile compass when you are navigating the most remote and rugged terrain around the world. The Suunto MC-2G is also very durable and well suited for rough environments. Below is a video on some of the features along with how to use the compass to do the following:

About americanbackpacker

I am a Wilderness Backpacker who travels to remote and rugged Wilderness areas in North America. I post Wilderness articles, product reviews, and tips on my website to make your next trip into a rugged Wilderness area more enjoyable and more importantly safer.